We have this benchmark about differences and problems between cultures, stereotypes, yada, yada, yada. I've been showing my 6th graders a video which features several Israeli and Palestinian kids. What I want them to get out of it is that people within the same group often have very different attitudes and opinions ( Read more... )

You know, I grew up in the Bible Belt. And when I go home, I feel a bit like I'm traveling back in time. In our postmodern graduate social science classes, we call this notion "anachronistic space", so I know I'm not supposed to think like that ( Read more... )

Well, I am thoroughly bored of talking about being sick, moving, or grading. Bah humbug ( Read more... )

Finally went to the clinic, like I should have done last week. Got prescription for horsepill antibiotics and a scary nasal spray. Have not done any grading or sewing, and very little unpacking. Have done lots of reading. Turns out, I read like a girl when I'm sick.

Would like a do-over on winter vacation please, if it's not too much trouble.

Coming down with a cold or sinus ailment and moving don't really mix. For one thing, there's the energy issue. For another, there is dust. Oh. My. God. There is dust.

For two and a half years, I have sat at this computer in My Burb, scanning the ads for a place to live that was cheaper, just as big, in a more desirable neighborhood, a better commute (not driving into the sun there and back would be better), at a place that would still allow cats ( Read more... )

Student: My friends tell me I should be a lawyer.

Sanba38: What is it about you that makes your friends say that?

Student: I can lie!

"Can we turn in two homeworks?"

"I can't use the internet until I've brushed my teeth for a week."

"Have you been to the river where the bodies float by ( Read more... )

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The boss I had the year I traveled all over Maui District teaching folks how to use the new computer system is now the principal of the middle school where I worked for the three years prior to that. That's a good change! Helpful Neighbor is back in the classroom after 3 years in offices.